Neuschwanstein, the Sleeping Beauty

"It is my intention to rebuild the old castle ruin of Hohenschwangau near the Pöllat Gorge in the authentic style of the old German knights' castles, and I must confess to you that I am looking forward very much to living there one day (in 3 years' time); there will be several cosy, habitable guest rooms with a splendid view of the noble Säuling, the mountains of Tyrol and far across the plain; you know the revered guest I would like to accommodate there; the location is one of the most beautiful to be found, holy and unapproachable, a worthy temple for the divine friend who has brought salvation and true blessing to the world. It will also remind you of 'Tannhäuser' (Singers' Hall with a view of the castle in the background), 'Lohengrin' (castle courtyard, open corridor, path to the chapel); this castle will be in every way more beautiful and habitable than Hohenschwangau further down, which is desecrated every year by the prose of my mother; they will take revenge, the desecrated gods, and come to live with Us on the lofty heights, breathing the air of heaven". - King Ludwig II Originally named the Hohenschwangua, the precious stone atop the mountain was immensely decorated with medieval legends and poetry, most famously that of the swan knight, Lohengrin, a childhood favorite of Ludwig II. (A romantic opera was dedicated to Lohengrin in 1850). Ludwig was a bit of an eccentric and involved himself in the details of the building of what is known today as the Newschwanstein Castle. Many of the interiors were revolutionary at the time such as a warm air central heating system, a hot water system for the kitchen and bath, bedrooms equipped with telephones and a natural cave located between the living room and study. The art work in Newschwanstein is whimsical and to stand next to it is to be part of it. I can honestly say it will take your breath away. Never had I seen so much magnificent works of art in one place. To imagine the creators tracking up the mountain with every piece leaves one to believe it had to be mere obsession. The kind that only artist know.

the view from the castle balcony

I don't have enough pages to describe the exoticness of this place. I would suggest if you are unable to visit yourself to buy the book, The Royal Castle of Neuschwanstein by Julius Desing. It will allow you a saga of dreams and you'll soon know why Disney decided to replicate the castle, which they call The Sleeping Beauty. For Ludwig, he was later to be called insane and secretly arrested. Historians today believe he was falsely accused and conspiracy may have been involved. In either case he was found drown in the Lake below his enfamous castle. It was said to be a suicide and the castle construction was put to a halt, still not finished to this day. To view New Schwanstein is to experience the thirst of an artist.